Carrick insists he needs no assurances after United keep faith despite eight-game winless run

Michael Carrick will remain Manchester United head coach and take charge of this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea, the club confirmed on Tuesday, after an internal review triggered by a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth left United without a win in eight games.

Sporting director Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox travelled to Carrington on Monday morning to discuss Carrick’s future. The head coach was also present at the training ground that afternoon, watching the Under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull. By Tuesday, United sources confirmed he would stay in post.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Chelsea match, Carrick was asked whether the board had offered him any guarantees. “I don’t need any assurances from anyone; I get the position and understand the responsibility and what comes with that,” he said. “I don’t need any assurances from anyone.”

Asked if he was surprised to still be in the job, Carrick was direct. “No, no, I’m here to do my job and I’m desperate to improve things. I’m not surprised, no.”

On the scrutiny surrounding his position, he added: “I don’t see it really, I see the things I need to see. I don’t look for it because it doesn’t help. I care about what the supporters think, what we give them and offer them, and what they see. I know what we need to do to be better — I don’t need anyone else to tell me.”

Carrick has recorded two wins from 12 games in all competitions this season — against Ipswich Town and Sabah — and United currently sit one point above the Premier League relegation zone. A defeat this weekend could drop them into the bottom three.

Chelsea, their opponents on Saturday, arrive at Old Trafford fifth in the table and six points ahead of United. Xabi Alonso’s side lost to Tottenham at home last weekend and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Liverpool on penalties on Thursday night after a 1-1 draw at Anfield.